Catholic Social Services Australia’s visit to Centacare Family Services Geraldton has shone a national spotlight on the important work being done to support local families, men, and vulnerable Australians experiencing homelessness.
CSSA executive director Jerry Nockles praised the efforts of Centacare Family Services Geraldton during a recent visit to the Midwest region, spotlighting the organisation’s innovative work in housing support, men’s wellbeing, and family services.
“Centacare Geraldton’s deep connection to community needs has transformed their service delivery,” Dr Nockles said.
“The national social services sector has much to learn from their resourceful approach, particularly how they have built programs that recognise the inherent value and potential in every individual they support.”
Dr Nockles said his visit reinforced findings from Professor David Gilchrist’s “Real Costs” report, commissioned by CSSA and released earlier this year – that community service organisations across Australia are operating with substantial funding deficits.
“Despite these financial pressures, Centacare Geraldton continues to deliver exceptional care, but we cannot expect our service providers to indefinitely bridge this funding shortfall through their own resourcefulness,” Dr Nockles said.
Centacare Family Services Geraldton has been supporting the Geraldton community since 1986 and now operates across the Midwest and Gascoyne regions.
Its services include homelessness support, emergency relief and food assistance, mental health counselling, parenting education support for families experiencing separation, and men’s wellbeing programs.
“The Men’s Hub is one of the quiet strengths of our service,” Centacare Gerald chief executive David Power said.
“It is a place where men in our community can come without shame, without judgement, and find real connection. We’re seeing more men struggling with cost-of-living pressures, housing stress, and isolation. When we support men to heal and rebuild, we strengthen families and communities too.
“We are doing everything that we can to meet demand, but as operating costs increase, our funding doesn’t keep pace. We ‘re constantly fundraising to keep essential services running.”
To help raise vital funds, Centacare Geraldton will host its inaugural Gala Dinner on July 26 at the QEII Centre, Geraldton.
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Centacare Geraldton’s Community Impact Draws National Attention (CSSA)
